San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-07-28
New YORK, July IL.


that is allowed to land on that sa-
cred soil, sixty two acres in all, ad-
Imirably adapted for 1000 unitarian
purposes, but now devoted to the use Of the
military department of the Atlantic and Of
the New York arsenal in storing useless and
dismounted cannon, shot, powder, etc, TO
keeping up dilapidated and useless fort and
an alleged castle on the northwest, which as
seen from passing boats seems formidable
indeed, but which on investigation shows to
be rickety and tumble down affair which
any modern ironclad could raze in short
order. Castle William is a standing monu-
ment to the man who invented the word
bluff"
Fort Columbus is more formidable work
at the center Of the island, occupied by about
100 men, two batteries of artillery, who
"play soldier" to their hearts content That to
be stationed on Governors Island is the dream
Of half the military men of the country is
evidence that the surroundings are pleasant
and the duties light, but that the military
station which commands the port of the me
tropolis is not more formidable defense and
less beautiful play ground will be the first
cause of wonderment to the tourist visiting
the spot.
But everything is beautiful; even the short
ride in the bObbing little steamer is delight
full affordmg a glorious view Of shipping,
water front, the great bridge and the spires
and towers Of the surrounding cities. Near
the landing are imposing piles of ball and
shot, black and suggestive rows of dismal
looking guns, sentries pacing back and forth
about the buildings in bright uniforms. Gen.
Schofield's residence is the most conspicuous
of several buildings on the left, almost shut
from view by the mass of vines, shrubbery
and trees about it.
Paved and shaded roadways lead through
the grounds. The hustle Of commerce has
nothing to represent it, nor is there anything
to suggest a place frequented by pleasure
seekers. Only three persons went over in the
little steamer with me, and five or six were
with ME on the return trip, several of them
clerks who live in the city. The occasional
soldiers or bandmen one meets look curiously
on the visitor and seem to like to gossip If not
in view Of comrades, but are reticent in the
extreme if on duty or in squads. At the
grim old castle sentry PAGES back and forth
before the door.
"Can one go infn l asked.
"Only TO the door"
Are military offenders confined withinF'
Eyes"
"How manyF
81 don't know"
"What are their offensesp'
81 don't know"
We were allowed peep at the crumbling
old amphitheatre within, a queer old rookery,
with galleries around it from which the
prisoners enter their cells. So far as can
learn the present prisoners are only minor
misunderstanding out terms for drunken
ness, desertion, etc. Eleven or twelve thou
sand Confederate prisoners were kept here at
one time when the rebellion was in progress
1t must have been an odiVus pen for, although
the sun streams down into the amphitheatre
and the air is good within the walls, yet it is
hard to surmise where so many men could be
decently hived.
In the moat of Fort Columbus several
prisoners were moving down the luxuriant
grass under armed guards who were badger
ing each other and laughing heartily as we
approached, but who separated at once as l
walked up to the party and were at once in
tently engaged in the laudable work of
watching every movement of their charges
Not to be put off pursued one of them
Are these men prisonersi" l asked.
"Yes.n
"For any serious offenseT
'No."
"What did they dor
~ don't know"
"Would they try to escape if you were to
leave themr
"No."
"You are sure they wouldn'tT
ayes"
"Tben why do you guard themq"
Tho fellows eyes didn't twinkle bit as he
said Il don't know" and moved off.
Gen. Schofeld's house has a wide piazza in
front, approached by stairs. The door
wao partially ajar, showing part of a
vile, hospitsble hall, with oiled floor and
tiger skin rug. There is no bell, and